The American Church is at the Threshold

“Turn back tomorrow and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea.” Numbers 14:25 NIV

Israel experienced the Lord delivering them from the bondage of the Egyptians. He had freed them to follow Him as He was leading them to the Promised land. They witnessed God’s might power in opening the Red Sea to cross over and escape from the pursuing chariots of the Egyptian army. They woke up every morning to the daily supply of food provided for them by the Lord. When they needed water, God provided it. But it seems they had a short memory of what God had promised them, and more importantly in what they had witnessed during their short time in the wilderness.

The children of Israel were on the threshold of entering the Promised Land. God had led them to the door of opportunity to continue following His lead. Everything was in place, the Lord had already given them the victory, Moses had the land surveyed to know what to expect, and now it was time to fulfill the Lord’s promise. But Israel failed to take advantage of the promise He had given them. They missed out by not following through with God’s plans, refusing to go in due to fear. One of the saddest verses in Scripture contains the Lord’s words, “Turn back tomorrow and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea.” (Nu. 14:25) They forfeited their opportunity to enter the Promised Land and were told to turn around and go back in the opposite direction.

The Christian church in America is at the threshold of an open door for ministry perhaps not seen in quite a while. There are youth movements springing up on college campuses, the sports world has an increasing number of athletes no longer intimidated to express their faith, and there is a more openness in referring to God across the public, the news media, and even in our politics.

Is the church in America ready, is to cross the threshold into this new opportunity where God is leading? If we’re committed, there is no turning back. May we remember all the Lord has for us over the years, He has proven Himself faithful. May we continue be faithful, and not hear the Lord say to us, ‘turn back tomorrow and set out toward the desert.’